News / National
State withdraws charges against 39 war vets
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The State has withdrawn charges against 39 members of the War Veterans Welfare Pressure Group, who were arrested in October 2021 for allegedly participating in an unlawful gathering in Harare.
The former freedom fighters, who appeared before Harare magistrate Winfilda Tiyatara, had been accused of gathering with intent to cause public violence.
According to court documents, the Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association had notified police of their intention to hold a peaceful march on October 13, 2021. However, their request was denied on October 18 due to COVID-19 restrictions under the Level 2 lockdown, which suspended all demonstrations.
Despite the ban, on October 26, members of the police reaction group observed a group of people gathered at Africa Unity Square, near 3rd Street and Jason Moyo Avenue.
The war veterans reportedly insisted on delivering a petition as a group to Parliament and the President's Munhumutapa offices. Police officers advised them to send five representatives, but the group refused, allegedly singing revolutionary songs and disrupting the peace, pedestrian movement, and traffic.
The protest centered on grievances over low pension stipends, which at the time amounted to ZWL16 000 (around USD $30).
During their initial arrest, the 39 war veterans were charged with participating in a gathering intended to incite public violence. However, the case saw limited progress over the years, culminating in the State's decision to withdraw the charges yesterday.
The war veterans had expressed frustration over inadequate pensions and welfare support, highlighting the disparity between their contributions to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and the benefits they receive. The issue has remained a contentious one, with many war veterans calling for a reassessment of their entitlements.
The withdrawal of charges marks a significant development in the case, as it underscores the ongoing tensions between war veterans and government authorities. While the war veterans' demands have not yet been fully addressed, the case's dismissal may pave the way for renewed dialogue on improving their welfare.
This incident also highlights broader concerns about the balance between public demonstrations and government-imposed restrictions, particularly during times of heightened public health concerns or political sensitivities.
The former freedom fighters, who appeared before Harare magistrate Winfilda Tiyatara, had been accused of gathering with intent to cause public violence.
According to court documents, the Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association had notified police of their intention to hold a peaceful march on October 13, 2021. However, their request was denied on October 18 due to COVID-19 restrictions under the Level 2 lockdown, which suspended all demonstrations.
Despite the ban, on October 26, members of the police reaction group observed a group of people gathered at Africa Unity Square, near 3rd Street and Jason Moyo Avenue.
The war veterans reportedly insisted on delivering a petition as a group to Parliament and the President's Munhumutapa offices. Police officers advised them to send five representatives, but the group refused, allegedly singing revolutionary songs and disrupting the peace, pedestrian movement, and traffic.
During their initial arrest, the 39 war veterans were charged with participating in a gathering intended to incite public violence. However, the case saw limited progress over the years, culminating in the State's decision to withdraw the charges yesterday.
The war veterans had expressed frustration over inadequate pensions and welfare support, highlighting the disparity between their contributions to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and the benefits they receive. The issue has remained a contentious one, with many war veterans calling for a reassessment of their entitlements.
The withdrawal of charges marks a significant development in the case, as it underscores the ongoing tensions between war veterans and government authorities. While the war veterans' demands have not yet been fully addressed, the case's dismissal may pave the way for renewed dialogue on improving their welfare.
This incident also highlights broader concerns about the balance between public demonstrations and government-imposed restrictions, particularly during times of heightened public health concerns or political sensitivities.
Source - newsday
